As students head back to college for an unprecedented year, Rensselaer County is now designating specific days for incoming students to get tested. Students will be able to get tested at Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy provided they have proof of county residency and make an appointment in advance.

County officials say that this plan will help both local families and the county’s COVID-19 response.

The county will next be offering testing for college students next Friday, August 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“We’re closing in on 40,00 thousand tests,” Rensselaer County Communications Director Rich Crist said.

“We’re going to continue testing. We’re testing way above some of the statistical requirements and we believe that data is very helpful in determining where this disease has been, where it could be headed and who is susceptible to it," Crist said.

As of Thursday, the county was monitoring more than 80 active cases.